Lead Safe Work Practices

About 75% of houses and apartments built before 1978 contain lead-based
paint, which is the leading cause of lead poisoning.

Homeowners who live in their own home may conduct paint stabilization (painting over existing paint) and/or
renovations without being a certified professional. Homeowners conducting do-it-yourself
projects can create large amounts of lead dust and should take precautions not to
expose themselves, their family, their neighbors, their home or their neighbors’
homes to lead dust and debris which can cause elevated blood lead levels.

Homeowners should Always:

Work wet by dampening or misting surfaces with water prior to sanding or scraping to reduce and minimize lead dust and debris

When properly managed and maintained, lead-based paint poses little risk. Chipping,
peeling or cracking lead-based paint needs immediate attention. If you rent, talk
to your landlord about having a certified professional properly repair these areas.

Disclosure Law

Federal law requires that individuals receive a pamphlet
from the EPA called “Protect your family from Lead in Your Home” English Version/Spanish Version before renting or buying
houses or apartments built before 1978.

Renting

Landlords are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based
paint hazards before leases take effect. This may only be known if the owner or
landlord had a lead-based paint inspection conducted by a certified professional.
The lease must include a disclosure form as to whether lead-based paint is known
or unknown to be present.

Buying

Sellers are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based
paint hazards before selling a house. This may only be known if the owner or landlord
had a lead-based paint inspection conducted by a
certified professional. Sales and
contracts must include a disclosure form as to whether lead-based paint is known
or unknown to be present. Buyers have up to 10 days to have a lead-based paint inspection
of the home by a certified professional, at the cost to the potential buyer.